A losing start for Wolves speedway

Eastbourne 57 Wolves 38

Six months ago Wolves suffered a defeat at Arlington that heralded the end of their Knockout Cup hopes.

Two nights back, this heavy opening match reversal put an early dent in their Elite League ambitions.

The Parrys International Wolves, with Tyson Burmeister learning his trade in the No 6 bib, should be a stronger outfit by the summer.

And Eastbourne, with their solid one to seven, are tipped by many to be around at the sharp end this season.

Nevertheless, a Wolves side of this one's evident top-end strength should not be conceding a five-ride maximum to a five-and-a-half-point second string, even one with the rich promise of Simon Gustafsson.

The Swede was electric from the gate on a dry track which favoured the inside line and was never headed.

Silencer issues continue to frustrate riders, with few able to venture off the white line and into the dirt with any success. Dawid Lampart ventured out to the crown of the third and fourth bends in heat two and came to a virtual halt.

One race later Tai Woffinden, on the same patch of track but at a sharper tangent, had to abandon ship but mercifully without any damage.

Woffinden's miserable evening, with a brace of retirements, allied to Ty Proctor's mechanical stress, meant the visitors' middle order was blown away by the home combination of Gustafsson and captain Cameron Woodward.

Elsewhere the news was brighter, especially at reserve, where Ricky Wells looks an astute signing.

Fredrik Lindgren and Karlsson both scored heavily early on only to fade as the meeting concluded.

In contrast, Ludvig Lindgren picked up and only a last-lap error on the second bend exit prevented him partnering his big brother to an 8-1 tactical ride success in heat 11.

By Tim Hamblin